Toothbrush with integral toothpaste dispenser

ABSTRACT

The present application is directed towards a toothbrush which provides an integral toothpaste dispenser. The toothbrush is configured to allow the user to selectively apply amounts of toothpaste to the user&#39;s teeth. Generally, the toothbrush handle contains an internal cavity which is configured to store toothpaste. The toothpaste is dispensed by squeezing the handle, thereby compressing the internal cavity moving a portion of the toothpaste from the internal cavity to the head of the toothbrush via a conduit. The internal cavity can be refilled with toothpaste by way of an inlet located at the bottom of the handle assembly.

RELATED U.S. PROVISIONAL PATENT APPLICATION

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional Patent Application entitled Brush and Toss having No. 63/101,411 filed Apr. 30, 2020, the entirety of which is hereby incorporated by reference.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

The invention relates in general to a toothbrush, particularly a toothbrush providing an integrated cavity for storing and dispensing toothpaste.

BACKGROUND

A toothbrush is an oral hygiene instrument used to clean dental surfaces including teeth, gums, and tongue. It consists of a head of tightly clustered bristles, atop of which toothpaste can be applied, mounted on a handle which facilitates the cleaning of hard-to-reach areas of the mouth.

They are available with different bristle textures, sizes, and forms. Most dentists recommend using a soft toothbrush since hard-bristled toothbrushes can damage tooth enamel and irritate the gums.

Toothpaste is a paste or gel dentifrice used with a toothbrush to clean and maintain the aesthetics and health of teeth. Toothpaste is used to promote oral hygiene: it is an abrasive that aids in removing dental plaque and food from the teeth, assists in suppressing halitosis, and delivers active ingredients (most commonly fluoride) to help prevent tooth decay (dental caries) and gum disease (gingivitis). Salt and sodium bicarbonate (baking soda) are among materials that can be substituted for commercial toothpaste.

Currently, toothbrushes and tubes of toothpaste are purchased and maintained separately. Particularly while traveling, it can be a hassle to transport and organize a toiletry bag. For example, a toothbrush and associated tube of toothpaste, which can be irregular in shape and bulky, take up much needed space in a toiletry bag. Further, it can be extremely difficult to quickly find, among all of the other items submerged in a bag, both the toothbrush and the tube of toothpaste. Put simply, time and space are limited and people who like to travel gravitate towards personal items that are small, compact and easy to fine.

SUMMARY

The present application is generally directed towards a toothbrush which provides an integral toothpaste dispenser. The toothbrush is configured to allow the user to selectively apply amounts of toothpaste to the user's teeth or other dental surfaces. Generally, the toothbrush handle contains an internal cavity which is configured to store toothpaste. The toothpaste is dispensed by squeezing the handle, thereby compressing the internal cavity moving a portion of the toothpaste from the internal cavity to the head of the toothbrush via a conduit. The internal cavity can be refilled with toothpaste by way of an inlet located at the bottom of the handle assembly.

In a version of the application, the toothbrush comprises a handle assembly having a body portion which has an internal cavity for storing the toothpaste. The body portion includes a top end and a bottom end, wherein the top end has a top orifice communicating with the internal cavity and the bottom end has a bottom orifice communicating with the internal cavity. The top orifice is configured for discharging toothpaste from the internal cavity to the head assembly and the bottom orifice is configured for refilling the internal cavity with toothpaste.

In the version, an end cap operable couples with the bottom end of the body portion in order to close the bottom orifice after refilling the internal cavity. Further, a head assembly is attachably removable to the handle assembly and generally includes a shoulder portion which has an inlet operably configured to couple with the top end top orifice of the body portion. The head assembly further includes a neck portion and a head portion which provides an outlet and a matrix of bristles surrounding the outlet. There is a conduit which extends between the shoulder portion inlet and the head portion outlet for transferring the toothpaste stored in the internal cavity of the body portion to the head portion. The conduit integrally extends through the shoulder portion, the neck portion, and the head portion in order to flow toothpaste from the internal cavity to the outlet at the head portion.

In certain versions of the application, the bottom end of the body portion comprises an external threading and the end cap comprises an internal threading. The end cap internal threading is operably configured to couple with the bottom end external threading, thereby allowing the end cap to operably attach to the bottom end of the body portion.

In yet another version, the shoulder portion attaches with the top end of the body portion by way of a rotation friction type fit.

In other versions of the application, the toothbrush may further include a tongue scraper which provides an abrasive surface. The scraper is ideally positioned on the rear side of the head portion which is opposite of the bristles.

In certain other versions of the toothbrush, a cover may be provided and is configured to shroud over the head assembly coupling with the shoulder portion of the head assembly.

These and other features of the present invention will become readily apparent upon further review of the following specification and drawings.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

For a more complete understanding of this disclosure, reference is now made to the following description, taken in conjunction with the accompanying drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 is an exploded view of a version of the application;

FIG. 2 is a top side perspective view of a version of the body portion of the application;

FIG. 3 is a first side elevation view of the body portion shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 4 is a top plan view of the body portion shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 5 is a second side elevation view of the body portion shown in FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is an interior perspective view of a version of the end cap;

FIG. 7 is a first side elevation view of the end cap of the version shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is an interior plan view of the end cap shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a second side elevation view of the end cap shown in FIG. 6;

FIG. 10 is a rear perspective view of the head portion of the application;

FIG. 11 is a rear elevation view of the head portion of the application shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 12 is a left side elevation view of the head portion shown in FIG. 10;

FIG. 13 is a front side elevation view of an optional cover of the application;

FIG. 14 is a top plan view of the cover portion shown in FIG. 13;

FIG. 15 is an illustrative perspective assembled view of a version of the application; and

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of a version of the cover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

In the following description, for purposes of explanation and not limitation, specific details are set forth such as particular architectures, interfaces, techniques, etc. in order to provide a thorough understanding of the present invention. However, it will be apparent to those skilled in the art that the present invention may be practiced in other versions that depart from these specific details. In other instances, detailed descriptions of well-known devices and methods are omitted so as not to obscure the description of the present invention with unnecessary detail.

Unless otherwise defined, all technical terms used herein have the same meaning as commonly understood by one of ordinary skill in the art to which the invention belongs. As used in the specification and the appended claims, the singular forms “a,” “an,” and “the” include plural references unless the context clearly dictates otherwise. Any reference to “or” herein is intended to encompass “and/or” unless otherwise stated.

Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps.

The present application is directed towards a toothbrush which provides an integral toothpaste dispenser. The toothbrush is configured to allow the user to selectively apply amounts of toothpaste to the user's teeth. Generally, the toothbrush handle contains an internal cavity which is configured to store toothpaste. The toothpaste is dispensed by squeezing the handle, thereby compressing the internal cavity moving a portion of the toothpaste from the internal cavity to the head of the toothbrush via a conduit. The internal cavity can be refilled with toothpaste by way of an inlet located at the bottom of the handle assembly. Overall, the toothbrush is compact, dual-purpose, cost-effective and simple to manufacture.

As best shown in FIG. 1, in certain versions of the application, the toothbrush 10 for applying a toothpaste to a dental surface generally comprises a handle assembly 12 and a head assembly 14. The head assembly 14 is configured to selectively operably attach and detach from the handle assembly 12, preferably by way of a rotation friction type fit.

Generally, with reference to FIG. 1-FIG. 5, the handle assembly 12 comprises a body portion 16 having an internal cavity 18 for storing an amount of toothpaste. The body portion 16 generally includes a top end 20 and a bottom end 22. The top end 20 has a top orifice 24 providing access to the internal cavity 18 for discharging toothpaste therefrom and the bottom end 22 has a bottom orifice 26 for providing access to the internal cavity 18 for refilling the internal cavity 18 with toothpaste.

The body portion 16 internal cavity 18 generally provides a sufficient volume to allow enough toothpaste for several brushing events. Preferably, the volume of the internal cavity 18 preferably is between 1-4 ounces. Preferably, the handle assembly 12 and body portion 16 are manufactured of a malleable material in order to allow the user to easily squeeze or apply pressure to the internal cavity 18, moving a measured portion of toothpaste from the internal cavity 18 to the head assembly 14, thereby dispensing toothpaste to the bristles 28. Preferably, the handle assembly 12 and/or body portion 16 is injection molded and made of silicone.

As best shown in FIG. 6-FIG. 9, the version shown provides an end cap 30 which operably couples with the bottom end 22 of the body portion 16. Essentially, the end cap 30 is operably attachably removable to the body portion 16. The end cap 30 is removed in order to allow the user to access the internal cavity 18, such as in the event the toothbrush 10 requires to be refilled with toothpaste. Whereas the end cap 30 is attached to the bottom end 22 in order to close the bottom orifice 26, thereby allowing operation of the toothbrush 10.

In the version, the bottom end 22 of the body portion 16 includes an external threading 32 and the end cap 30 comprises a reciprocal internal threading 34. The internal threading 34 and the external threading 32 allow the end cap 30 to rotate and secure to the bottom end 22 of the body portion 16, thereby allowing the user to selectively remove or replace the end cap 30 as desired by a twisting motion.

With reference to FIG. 1, FIG. 10-FIG. 12, a version of the head assembly 14 comprises a shoulder portion 36, a neck portion 38, a head portion 40, and a conduit 42 which integrally extends between the shoulder portion 36 and the head portion 40.

The shoulder portion 36 provides a based structure to the head assembly 14 which is configured to attach, couple, and seat with the top end 20 of the body portion 16. The shoulder portion 36 generally includes an inlet 44 operably configured to couple and communicate with the top end 20 top orifice 24 of the body portion 16. Thus, while the head assembly 14 is attached to the handle assembly 12, the top orifice 24 and the shoulder portion 36 inlet 44 operate to provide continuous passage from the internal cavity 18 to the head assembly 14.

The neck portion 38 integrally connects the shoulder portion 36 with the head portion 40 and provides structure which defines and encapsulates a portion of the conduit 42. Generally, the conduit 42 continuously extends between the shoulder portion 36 inlet 44 and a head portion 40 outlet 46 and operates to transfer the toothpaste stored in the internal cavity 18 of the body portion 16 to the head portion 40.

Preferably, the head portion 40 provides a matrix of bristles 28 which are configured and arranged in a conventional manner. The bristles 28 generally extend parallel in a group and perpendicular from a planar bristle surface 48. Ideally, the outlet 46 for dispensing toothpaste is positioned near the approximate center of the planar bristle surface 48, thus dispensing toothpaste at the center of the matrix of bristles 28 for maximum coverage during a brushing event.

Further, as best illustrated in FIG. 12, a nozzle may be provided which extends from the planar bristle surface 48 parallel with the matrix of bristles 28, which ideally positions the outlet 46 at or below the plane formed by the ends 31 of the bristles 28. Preferably, the matrix of bristles 28 surround the nozzle 64 and outlet 46.

In a certain version of the application, the head assembly 14 operably attaches to the handle assembly 12 by way of a rotation type friction fit. Specifically, as shown in FIG. 2, FIG. 4, FIG. 11, and FIG. 12, the top end 20 of the body portion 16 provides a circular rim 50 which provides an outward extending connection tab 52 and the shoulder portion 36 of the head assembly 14 provides a reciprocally shaped circular internal recess 54 and outward extending indent 56. The internal recess 54 is configured to receive the circular rim 50 of the body portion 16 therein and the connection tab 52 snap fits with the indent 56, thereby providing a snug, tight fit between the handle assembly 12 and the head assembly 14.

In a version, as shown in FIG. 10-FIG. 12, the toothbrush 10 may further include a tongue scraper 58 positioned on the rear side of the head portion 40 having an abrasive surface 60. The tongue scraper 58 is designed to pass along your tongue in order to clean it.

As best shown in FIG. 13-FIG. 16, the toothbrush 10 may further include an optional cover 62 which attaches and shrouds over the head assembly 14 via coupling with the shoulder portion 36. In a version, the cover 62 attaches to the shoulder portion via a friction type fit provided by an attachment tab 70 positioned on the front of the shoulder portion 36. Preferably, the cover is manufactured of a transparent plastic.

By way of operation, the internal cavity 18 is filled with toothpaste by first removing the end cap 30 from the bottom end 22 of the body portion 16 exposing the bottom orifice 26. Thereafter, toothpaste is pumped into the internal cavity 18 via bottom orifice 26. Once the internal cavity 18 volume has been filled, the end cap 30 is attached to the bottom end 22 of the body portion 16 in order to close the bottom orifice 26 to be ready for operation.

Before a brushing event, the user will first prepare the toothbrush 10 by squeezing the handle assembly 12, thereby moving an amount of toothpaste from the internal cavity 18 through the top end 20 top orifice 24, through the conduit 42, and dispensed at the outlet 46 at the end of the nozzle 64 positioned near the planar surface formed by the bristle 28 ends 31. Thereafter, the toothbrush 10 is ready to be used and the user brushes their teeth as is desired. If throughout the brushing event the user desires to add more toothpaste to the bristle matrix 28, the user simply applies pressure to the handle assembly 12 commensurate to the amount desired.

Although the present disclosure and its advantages have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions and alterations can be made herein without departing from the spirit and scope of the disclosure as defined by the appended claims.

Moreover, the scope of the present application is not intended to be limited to the particular embodiments of the process, machine, manufacture, composition of matter, means, methods and steps described in the specification. As one of ordinary skill in the art will readily appreciate from the disclosure, processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps, presently existing or later to be developed that perform substantially the same function or achieve substantially the same result as the corresponding embodiments described herein may be utilized according to the present disclosure. Accordingly, the appended claims are intended to include within their scope such processes, machines, manufacture, compositions of matter, means, methods, or steps. 

I claim:
 1. A toothbrush for applying a toothpaste to a dental surface, the toothbrush comprising: a handle assembly comprising: a body portion having an internal cavity for storing the toothpaste, the body portion comprising a top end and a bottom end, wherein the top end has a top orifice communicating with the internal cavity and the bottom end has a bottom orifice communicating with the internal cavity, the top orifice for discharging toothpaste from the internal cavity and the bottom orifice for refilling the internal cavity with toothpaste; and an end cap which operably couples with the bottom end of the body portion in order to close the bottom orifice; a head assembly attachably removable to the handle assembly comprising: a shoulder portion having an inlet operably configured to couple with the top end top orifice of the body portion; a neck portion; a head portion providing an outlet and a matrix of bristles surrounding the outlet; and a conduit extending between the shoulder portion inlet and the head portion outlet for transferring the toothpaste stored in the internal cavity of the body portion to the head portion; wherein the conduit integrally extends through the shoulder portion, the neck portion, and the head portion.
 2. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the bottom end of the body portion comprises an external threading and the end cap comprises an internal threading which is operably configured to couple with the bottom end external threading, thereby the end cap is operably attachably removable to the body portion bottom end.
 3. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the shoulder portion attaches with the top end of the body portion by way of a rotation friction type fit.
 4. The toothbrush of claim 1, wherein the head further comprises a bristle surface, wherein the outlet is positioned approximate the center of the bristle surface.
 5. The toothbrush of claim 1, further comprising a tongue scraper having an abrasive surface positioned on a rear side of the head portion opposite of the bristles.
 6. The toothbrush of claim 1, further comprising a cover configured to shroud over the head assembly coupling with the shoulder portion of the head assembly.
 7. A toothbrush for applying a toothpaste to a dental surface, the toothbrush comprising: a handle assembly comprising: a body portion having an internal cavity for storing the toothpaste, the body portion comprising a top end and a bottom end, wherein the top end has a top orifice communicating with the internal cavity and the bottom end has a bottom orifice communicating with the internal cavity, the top orifice for discharging toothpaste from the internal cavity and the bottom orifice for refilling the internal cavity with toothpaste; an end cap which operably couples with the bottom end of the body portion in order to close the bottom orifice, wherein the end cap rotates onto the bottom end of the body portion via each of the bottom end and the end cap having respective reciprocating threading; a head assembly attachably removable to the handle assembly comprising: a shoulder portion having an inlet operably configured to couple with the top end top orifice of the body portion, wherein the shoulder portion attaches with the top end of the body portion by way of a rotation friction type fit; a neck portion; a head portion providing an outlet and a matrix of bristles surrounding the outlet; and a conduit extending between the shoulder portion inlet and the head portion outlet for transferring the toothpaste stored in the internal cavity of the body portion to the head portion; wherein the conduit integrally extends through the shoulder portion, the neck portion, and the head portion.
 8. The toothbrush of claim 7, wherein the head further comprises a bristle surface, wherein the outlet is positioned approximate the center of the bristle surface.
 9. The toothbrush of claim 8, further comprising a tongue scraper having an abrasive surface positioned on a rear side of the head portion.
 10. The toothbrush of claim 9, further comprising a cover configured to shroud over the head assembly coupling with the shoulder portion of the head assembly.
 11. A toothbrush for applying a toothpaste to a dental surface, the toothbrush comprising: a handle assembly comprising: a body portion having an internal cavity for storing the toothpaste, the body portion comprising a top end and a bottom end, wherein the top end has a top orifice communicating with the internal cavity and the bottom end has a bottom orifice communicating with the internal cavity, the top orifice for discharging toothpaste from the internal cavity and the bottom orifice for refilling the internal cavity with toothpaste; and an end cap which operably couples with the bottom end of the body portion in order to close the bottom orifice, wherein the end cap rotates onto the bottom end of the body portion via each of the bottom end and the end cap having respective reciprocating threading; a head assembly attachably removable to the handle assembly comprising: a shoulder portion having an inlet operably configured to couple with the top end top orifice of the body portion, wherein the shoulder portion attaches with the top end of the body portion by way of a rotation friction type fit; a neck portion; a head portion providing an outlet and a matrix of bristles surrounding the outlet, wherein the head comprises a bristle surface, wherein the outlet is positioned approximate the center of the bristle surface; and a conduit extending between the shoulder portion inlet and the head portion outlet for transferring the toothpaste stored in the internal cavity of the body portion to the head portion; wherein the conduit integrally extends through the shoulder portion, the neck portion, and the head portion.
 12. The toothbrush of claim 11, further comprising a tongue scraper having an abrasive surface positioned on a rear side of the head portion.
 13. The toothbrush of claim 12, further comprising a cover configured to shroud over the head portion coupling with the shoulder portion of the head assembly. 